Emollient bath and shower products, soya-bean oil-containing

How it works

The dispersed soya-bean oil deposits a lipid film on the skin during bathing, reducing water loss and helping restore the skin barrier.

Prescribing in practice

• Although marketed as not containing paraffin, any emollient residue on fabrics can contribute to a fire risk, so the standard advice to avoid naked flames and smoking should still be given.
• Bath and shower surfaces become slippery, so non-slip precautions reduce the risk of falls.
• Use as an adjunct to regular leave-on emollients, which remain the mainstay of dry-skin management.

Monitoring

No blood monitoring is required; assess skin response and tolerability, including any contact irritation, at review.

Counselling the patient

• Avoid smoking and naked flames near skin, clothing or bedding that has been in contact with the product.
• Be careful of slippery surfaces when bathing or showering.
• Apply a leave-on emollient regularly between baths for best effect.

Evidence & guidelines

Emollient bath products are long-used adjuncts in dry-skin care, while trial evidence such as BATHE has questioned added benefit of bath additives over leave-on emollients.